Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
03 reviewsSAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO, 81212, USA
Quick Facts
8,600 ftPrice
$140/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from May 16, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,600 ftPrice
$140/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from May 16, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSpruce Group - Lake Isabel
$140.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The group standard nonelectric site has a flat fee of $140 per night during the peak season. This rate applies to group reservations only; it does...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$140.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(719) 269-8500
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
Most mentioned
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Some mention
reservation
"User reviews generally praise the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and helpful staff. Positive sentiments emphasize its suitability for annual trips and relaxation amid nature."
Fees & Passes at Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
$140/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first ni...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
From May through September, the mountain air carries the perfect blend of warm sunshine and cool breezes, creating ideal conditions for every outdoor pursuit imaginable. Summer days invite leisurely lakeside picnics and energetic trail adventures, while crisp mornings remind you of the elevation with their refreshing mountain chill. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides, and winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow even in the shoulder seasons, transforming this mountain haven into a year-round wonderland where each visit offers its own unique magic.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 19, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 16, 2025, to September 19, 2025 (reservable during peak season). Closed for reservations from September 20, 2025, to May 15, 2026.
- Current Alerts: No current active alerts reported.
About Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
Nestled in the heart of the Wet Mountains at 8,600 feet, Spruce Group Campground offers an exclusive mountain retreat perfect for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking togetherness in nature. This spacious group sanctuary within Lake Isabel Recreation Area welcomes up to 50 day visitors or 40 overnight adventurers, providing a private basecamp for your mountain memories. Smooth paved roads wind through towering spruce forests, leading to your group's own corner of Colorado wilderness where days are filled with fishing pristine waters, paddling across mirror-like surfaces, and exploring trails that reveal the secrets of the high country.
Spruce Group Campground specializes in group camping accommodations. It is not designed for individual camping experiences.
Historical SignificanceLake Isabel stands as a testament to American ingenuity and the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands carved this recreational gem from the wilderness during the Great Depression. Unlike many Colorado lakes born of necessity for irrigation or mining, Lake Isabel was created with a singular vision: pure recreation and enjoyment for generations to come. This rare distinction makes every visit a connection to the forward-thinking conservationists who believed that preserving natural beauty for public enjoyment was worth the monumental effort of reshaping the landscape.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, the mountain air carries the perfect blend of warm sunshine and cool breezes, creating ideal conditions for every outdoor pursuit imaginable. Summer days invite leisurely lakeside picnics and energetic trail adventures, while crisp mornings remind you of the elevation with their refreshing mountain chill. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides, and winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow even in the shoulder seasons, transforming this mountain haven into a year-round wonderland where each visit offers its own unique magic.
ElevationAt 8,600 feet above sea level, Spruce Group Campground places you firmly in Colorado's celebrated high country, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath reminds you that you've escaped the ordinary. This elevation brings welcome relief from summer heat while challenging your lungs in the most rewarding way possible. Here, morning coffee tastes better, campfire stories seem more magical, and the thin mountain air creates an atmosphere where adventure feels more immediate and memories become more vivid.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering spruce sentinels stand guard over your campsite, their evergreen canopy creating natural cathedral ceilings that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. St. Charles Creek whispers ancient mountain stories as it flows nearby, while Lake Isabel beckons with its pristine waters reflecting the surrounding peaks like nature's own mirror. Wildlife thrives in this protected sanctuary—from curious chipmunks darting between campsites to majestic elk grazing in distant meadows. Every direction offers postcard-worthy views of the Wet Mountains' rugged beauty, where rocky slopes meet endless sky in dramatic displays that change with each passing cloud.
Geological RegionThe Wet Mountains cradle Spruce Group Campground in their ancient embrace, offering a geological wonderland within Pike and San Isabel National Forest that tells stories millions of years in the making. These peaks, gentler than their famous Rocky Mountain cousins but no less spectacular, create a unique ecosystem where dense spruce forests thrive on slopes carved by time and weather. At 8,600 feet, you're perched on terrain shaped by volcanic activity and erosion, where every rocky outcrop and forested valley represents chapters in Earth's autobiography. This distinctive mountain range provides a more intimate, accessible high-country experience while still delivering all the grandeur Colorado's wilderness promises.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible toilets are available, and the paved road through the group site provides general accessibility.
Sites SizeThe group campground accommodates up to 40 guests for overnight camping and has a paved parking area for RVs. Tent pads are not defined.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information on site privacy is provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups should arrive prepared for high-altitude camping and bring sufficient water and supplies due to limited amenities.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out times are not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 40 guests for overnight use and 50 guests for day use.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 guests for day use and 40 guests for overnight camping. Facilities include a picnic shelter, grills, fire rings, and accessible vault toilets. RV parking is limited but available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe single-group site includes a picnic shelter, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit, with a paved road and parking area suitable for a few RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16, 2025, to September 19, 2025 (reservable during peak season). Closed for reservations from September 20, 2025, to May 15, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is mentioned; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s rate. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days after the reservation ends.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spruce Group Campground provides a range of recreational activities catering to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. These include hiking, non-motorized boating, and fishing in Lake Isabel, which is stocked with brown and brook trout. Nearby trails like the Snow Slide Trail and Cisneros Trail offer diverse experiences, from ATV riding to wildflower viewing. The St. Charles Creek adds fishing opportunities, and bicycling and motorcycling options are available on some trails.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Snow Slide Trail and the 15-mile Cisneros Trail. Cisneros Trail is open to ATV riders and traverses the Wet Mountains, connecting to St. Charles Trail and leading to St. Charles Peak.Fishing
Lake Isabel and St. Charles Creek are stocked with brown and brook trout. Non-motorized boating is allowed, enhancing fishing experiences.Biking
Bicycling options are available on trails, including Cisneros Trail and Snow Slide Trail. Further details on trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating like canoeing is welcome on Lake Isabel. Paddle and rowboat rentals are available nearby.Wildlife viewing
Lake Isabel and its surroundings are suitable for watching wildlife, although specific types of wildlife are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are supported, with rentals available nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Campers must extinguish fires completely before leaving.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include high-altitude conditions, requiring caution for visitors arriving from lower elevations. The presence of bears necessitates careful food storage.
Active alertsNo current active alerts reported.
Weather at Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Emergency Services
Emergency services include nearby fire departments and medical facilities in Pueblo, approximately 25 miles away, and Canon City.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 19, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is mentioned as a service provided; however, recycling options are not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to both Lake Isabel and the St. Charles Creek, offering ample opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsSome campers may find the limited availability of water and lack of hookups to be inconvenient. Additionally, the need for reservations may pose a challenge for spontaneous trips.
HostHosts are mentioned as friendly and helpful in user reviews, but specific contact information is not provided.
Campground Map
SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO, 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165 and turn into the main entrance at the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. Drive to Forest Road 374 and turn left. The entrance to the group campground is beyond the St. Charles Campground entrance behind a closed gate.
The road through the group site is paved, and a parking area fits a limited number of RVs. Access is straightforward via Interstate 25 and state Highway 165, but navigating to the Forest Road 374 might require attention to signage for the St. Charles Campground.Nearby places
Pueblo (approximately 25 miles, about 30-40 minutes drive), Canon City (nearest city), Colorado Springs (roughly 1.5 hours drive).
Nearby supplies
A nearby lodge offers paddle and rowboat rentals, groceries, and a restaurant. Additional amenities, including gas stations, are available in Pueblo and Canon City.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Spruce Group - Lake Isabel has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and helpful staff. Positive sentiments emphasize its suitability for annual trips and relaxation amid nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights from user reviews include clean amenities, picturesque surroundings, and helpful campground staff. Guests also appreciate the spacious layout of the group sites.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints are highlighted in the reviews provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend visiting as an annual family trip due to its scenic beauty and well-kept facilities.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly reviewed, but the campground operates primarily during summer months.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful spot along the river at the end of the road, love coming here year after year.' - Brent D
2. 'Great spot spread out along the upper most stretch of the road of camp sites. Great, clean...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specifically reference campsite 001 in the Lake Isabel SP Loop. Visitors appreciate its location by the river and cleanliness.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific user reviews discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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